Plane accidents can be broadly categorized into two distinct areas: scheduled airline accidents and private airplane accidents. Scheduled airline accidents are accidents involving commercial airlines. The other category, private airplane accidents, can be subdivided further into light aircraft accidents involving personal planes, such as single-engine aircraft like Cessna or jet engine planes like Learjets. This category can also include much lighter aircraft such as gliders and ultralights.

In most cases, plane accident cases are wrongful death claims, as most accidents result in death. It is important to keep in mind that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) will be involved in any accident occurring in US airspace, regardless of the accident being general or civil aviation.

Wrongful death claims can be filed by decedents’ relatives, however there are restrictions in certain states that only allow the decedents’ parents to file a claim, so it is important to understand the requirements of the state you live in. The person or persons filing the wrongful death claim must show that the death resulted from negligence or willful actions by the airline.

Airplane accident cases are extremely complicated and multifaceted. In the case of mechanical failure, plaintiffs may have to prove pilot error. Plaintiff awards can vary substantially depending on if death occurred instantaneously or not. For smaller craft, accidents could be due to mechanical failure, design fault or manufacturer negligence. Awards can cover a host of claims: lost wages, loss of future income, damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish and punitive damages.